PLAYLAND

Petaluma Playland is located on the Sonoma County Fairgrounds property in Petaluma, California, about 40 minutes north of San Francisco.

Five Games Under One Roof

Petaluma Playland offers five distinct action sports on a single sprawling outdoor campus, making it one of the most versatile adventure parks in Sonoma County. Visitors can choose from paintball, airsoft, laser tag, Gelly Ball, and Nerf games — each with its own dedicated field or arena. Paintball and airsoft cater to those seeking a more intense tactical experience, while Gelly Ball and Nerf provide low-impact alternatives that are gentle enough for younger players. Laser tag sits in the middle, offering high-tech infrared combat suitable for ages six and up. The facility welcomes both walk-on players on weekends and private groups by reservation. Beginners are separated from experienced players to ensure everyone plays at a comfortable level. Self-equipped players are welcome too, though all personal gear must pass a safety inspection before use.

Fields Built for Adventure

The club features four paintball fields, each with a distinct personality. The “Ghost Town” field recreates an Old West setting with wooden structures and barricades. An urban-style field uses vehicles and shipping containers for close-quarters tactical play. A professional turf field with inflatable bunkers hosts tournament-style speedball for advanced players, and a wooded area called “Thunderdome” offers natural cover for stealthy maneuvers. The airsoft field incorporates multiple building styles and obstacles for immersive milsim-style gameplay. Laser tag and Nerf battles take place in a large, open-air indoor arena that stays sheltered from rain and sun. The entire facility is outdoors, but the staging area is covered, providing shade and protection from the elements between games.

From Birthday Blasts to Corporate Quests

Private parties are the heart of this venue. Groups of eight or more can book exclusive use of any game for two to three hours, depending on the activity. Birthday parties are the most common booking, but the club also regularly hosts corporate team-building events, church group outings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and graduation celebrations. The staff can organize tournaments for larger corporate groups and help structure the event around specific team-building goals. Weekday private parties come with a special advantage — the group is often the only one on site, with dedicated staff and flexible scheduling. Weekend parties run alongside walk-on players in a rotation system, keeping the energy high and the games flowing.

Safety First, Fun Always

Every session begins with a thorough safety briefing. Staff members explain how to use the equipment properly, go over field rules, and make sure everyone understands the boundaries of safe play. Referees stay on the field during all games, enforcing rules and keeping the experience fair and fun for everyone. The owner, Ryan Podesta, is a professional paintball player who also coaches youth and adult teams. His personal involvement in the sport is reflected in the way the staff treats visitors — reviewers consistently mention the friendly, helpful attitude of the crew and the owner’s habit of checking in with guests personally after parties.

More Than Just a Game Day

Spectators are welcome to watch from designated safe areas, making it easy for parents or friends to cheer on players without participating. The pro shop sells snacks and drinks, and several local restaurants deliver directly to the field — Red Boy Pizza and Mountain Mike’s are popular choices among regulars. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and refreshments. The club offers a unique nighttime experience through its “GLOW” program. Cosmic paintball runs on Friday nights with glow-in-the-dark loaders and UV frames. Glow airsoft happens on the first Friday of every month, and glow Gelly Ball parties can be booked any evening. These after-dark sessions add a completely different dimension to the gameplay, with tracer rounds lighting up the night sky.